The Coventry City manager is pinning all his hopes on the player at least starting the new season at Highfield Road and is doing everything he can to keep his key man.

But Hartson, who today travelled with the Sky Blues squad to a Scottish training camp, is concerned that the club are trying to price him out of the market.

"I have had a chat with John, and the details of that will remain between the two of us.

"John asked me to be understanding of his position, and I have asked him to be understanding of mine. I must do what is best for the club and I hope that John stays.

"I would be very happy if no-one wanted John and I am hoping he will lead us out at the start of the season. I am looking forward to seeing the John Hartson we saw last year when everyone was talking about his performances both for the club and for his country.

"We can only keep working and hope that, one way or the other, he stays with us. If not then we have to look elsewhere."

The 26-year-old striker is believed to be keen on a move to Leicester City but the Sky Blues' #7 million price tag is proving a major stumbling block.

"They are trying to price him out of the market," claimed the player's agent Jonathan Barnett.

"Everyone knows John has a problem over his medicals which has prevented him being insured and if that was not the case he would be worth #10 million. But anyone who takes him now will have to do so without a medical."

Foxes' boss Peter Taylor, meanwhile, has denied that the Sky Blues have rejected their latest bid for the front man.

"As far as we are concerned we have not heard from Coventry," he revealed.

"They rejected our first offer and if they reject our latest one we will have to think again.